By-Laws

The Northumberland Humane Society (NHS) is the Township’s contracted Animal Control Service Provider. The NHS is committed to the care and well-being of all animals in its mandate. They catch lost animals and arrange for pet adoptions.

Address: 2363 Theatre Rd, Cobourg, ON K9A 4W5
T: 905-885-4131

Dog Licensing

• Please read the Animal Control By-Law for information about the by-laws regulating animals in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.

• Every dog living in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand needs a current dog tag each year. 

• Dog tags for the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand can now be purchased online through a partnership with the Northumberland Humane Society and DocuPet, an online software platform.

• The new online service will allow pet owners to purchase dog licenses from the comfort of their home, maintain a pet profile, receive access to the HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service, upgrade to personalized designer tag styles, and receive automated renewal notices. The online pet profile allows Northumberland Humane Society staff – the animal services by-law enforcement provider for all three communities - to quickly identify dogs and reduce the amount of time a lost dog spends in the shelter. This will significantly reduce stress for the animal and families and decrease the demand on resources such as shelter space, food, medical, and bedding.

• In addition, dog tags will now be valid for 365 days from date of purchase compared to the previous calendar year model, which required pet owners to purchase their tags by January 1st of each year. This gives residents more flexibility and offers better value for money. In addition, the new service will allow for easier enforcement because reports will identify when a licence hasn't been renewed and a proactive approach can be taken through education and communication.

• For more information, please contact:
  By-Law/Fire Department at 905-352-1142

Dog Bite Procedure - Bite Victim

• Seek medical treatment—Call 911.

• Report the bite to Municipal Animal Services at 905-885-7808, By-law Enforcement Officer at 905-352-1152 and Health Unit at 905-885-9100.

• Provide a description of the dog.

• Get the dog owner's name and address.

• Record specific information (date, time, location).

• Get witness information.

• Take photos of the bite injury.

• Write a handwritten statement with all details as soon as possible.

Dog Bite Procedure - Bite Victim

• Leash your dog.

• Isolate your dog from other people/animals.

• Report the bite to Municipal Animal Services at 905-885-7808, By-law Enforcement Officer at 905-352-1142 and Health Unit at 905-885-9100.

• Write a handwritten statement with all details as soon as possible.

In the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, you can keep hens in your backyard as pets, or to provide food to your household on your residential property. You can only keep hens (no roosters), and their shelter enclosure must meet the standards of the Zoning By-Law.

Zoning By-law Standards:

• The keeping of hens shall be restricted to properties that are zoned to permit a single detached dwelling.

• The keeping of hens shall be restricted to properties that have a minimum of 0.4 hectares (one acre).

• A maximum of six (6) hens shall be permitted.

• An enclosure for keeping one or more hens:

  • Shall be located at least 3.0 metres from the side lot and at least 1.2 metres from the rear lot line of the lot on which the hen coop is located.

  • Shall be located at least 3.0 metres from abutting dwellings.

  • Must be at least 7.5 metres from any church or school.

  • Shall contain an enclosed roof structure and shall not be greater than 3.0 metres by 3.0 metres and no greater than 4.5 metres in height.

  • Shall only be located in the rear yard.

Before you get started:

1. Review the requirements from the Zoning By-Law listed above.

2. Read about Poultry Health Management and Biosecurity.

On June 25, 2024 Council adopted a new By-Law to License, Regulate and Govern Short-Term Rental Accommodations. 

The new by-law to License, Regulate and Govern Short-Term Rental Accommodations can be found at the following link Short Term Rental Licensing By-Law (BL 46-2024).  The application can be found at the following link Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Application for Licence.  To assist you in completing the application for license completely, please use this STRA checklist - STRA Checklist

A new fee structure will be outlined in a revised Fees and Charges By-law.  The following fees currently apply:

• Owner Unoccupied Residences or Properties for Non-residents $1,000

• Owner Unoccupied Residences or Properties for Residents $ 750

• Owner Occupied Residences or Properties $ 300

** For current information, please click on the Short-term Rental By-law links below:

Comprehensive Zoning By-law General Amendment (BL 13-2024)

Short Term Rental By-Law - Frequently Asked Questions